Marrakeshi Momentum
Djemaa el Fna at night
After 2 delayed flights (count 'em) and 1 canceled flight (you've got to earn an Africa entree), the group landed in Marrakesh fatigued but in very good spirits. A late lunch of traditional couscous ("siksu") in the Riad Arabesca courtyard followed by a nap and some mint tea--the first of several cups in our first 2 days--gave us the right momentum to tackle the Djemaa el Fna at night. The "Square of the Dead" was anything but. Snake charmers were out in full force, and Madame Spittler sported her very first cobra necklace. Gnawa musicians, magicians, fortune tellers, henna artists (Caroline, Alyssa, and others offered their hands) and our crusty frame of mind helped to fuel the carnival atmosphere. The air was thick with the scent of boiled snails, kebabs, freshly-squeezed orange juice, and nougat. The evening call to prayer, a first for most in the group, added another sensory layer. We had a tasty arrival dinner at the edge of this enthralling madness.
Well, that was yesterday. Today
we entered the Marrakesh souq after a delightful breakfast accented by the many house sparrows that live in the nether reaches of the courtyard's eaves. The riad is a quiet retreat from the medina's (old city) energy. Remember, when the donkeys and mopeds bear down the alleys, shuffle right. The group's shopping vibe was alive. Souq stops included the weavers' souq--ahem, several purchases made, including special measurements taken for custom wear; the babouche (shoe) souq (another purchase); wicker/straw souq (Madame caved in here); and a walk through the intensely invigorating spice souq. This is but a micron of what we saw, heard, touched, smelled, and tasted (various "helwa" aka sweets were sampled and the peanut ("kaokao") brittle was a big hit). Tasty afternoon lunch of kefta and noodles back at the riad. More mint tea. And a bit more. Then the fashion shoot. Everyone adorned themselves with an array of traditional Moroccan dress and costumes housed at Arabesca and gave their best Kate Holmes in Caftan routine. We wrapped up the day with an introductory Arabic lesson in which the Moroccan Arabic word for "Ok" seemed to resonate. "Wa-cha"...more like "wa-chhhhha" with that "ch" originating somewhere south of epiglottis. We couldn't resist the pulse of the Djemaa el Fna so another dinner nearby, a swell buffet spread of lamb, chicken, harira soup, and sauteed carrots and cauliflower. The jet lag got to a couple of us this eve, eyes woozy, but we'll be ready for more of the Pearl of the South, The Red City, The Ochre City tomorrow. One more cool thing--the temps. With Marrakesh broiling last week at over 100F, mid 80s and low 60s in June is, well, "emziyan, il hamdu lilah". Good, thanks be to God.
Comments
We are really enjoying the website and photos. Hello Alyssa
Posted by: Barksdale Penick | June 10, 2007 05:22 PM